HME Electronics, Inc.
`HJVIE Electronics, Inc.
`Exhibit 1001
`Exhibit 1001
`
`APPOOO1
`
`

`
`US008694040B2
`
`(12) Ulllted States Patent
`Awiszus
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 8,694,040 B2
`*Apr. 8, 2014
`
`(54) REMOTELY CONFIGURABLE WIRELESS
`INTERCOM SYSTEM FOR AN
`ESTABLISHMENT
`Inventor:
`Steven T. Awiszus, st. Paul, MN (Us)
`(75)
`(73) Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company,
`St. Paul, MN (US)
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U'S'C' 1540’) by 0 days"
`This patent is subject to a terminal dis-
`claimer.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 13/214,746
`
`(22)
`
`Filed;
`
`Aug_ 22, 2011
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2011/0306379 A1
`
`Dec. 15, 2011
`
`6/2003 Dickson et_a1.
`6,574,603 B1
`1 gudlfifwskl
`ISC CI
`,
`,
`1/2006 Sabongi et al.
`6,993,292 B2
`Zj§‘,’;§§§, E3 * 135333 ‘§;‘,§‘(,n;e'i",i;"""""""""" 455/3'°5
`(Continued)
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`WO
`W0
`
`4/1996
`W0-9610878
`8/2007
`W02007094981
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`File history for co-pending U.S. Appl. No. 12/548,596, filed Aug. 27,
`
`2009, entitled “Remotely Configurable Wireless Intercom System
`for an Establishment” (108 pgs.).
`
`.
`(Continued)
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`Primary Examiner — David Q Nguyen
`
`(63) Continuation of application No. 12/548,596, filed on
`Aug. 27, 2009, now Pat. No. 8,005,455, which is a
`continuation of application No. 11/276,048, filed on
`Feb. 10, 2006, now Pat. No. 7,599,679.
`
`(51)
`
`Int CL
`H043 7/00
`(52) U_s_ CL
`Ugpc ........ N 455/517; 455/403; 455/73; 455/569.1;
`45 5/53
`
`(200601)
`
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`USPC ...................... .. 455/517, 3.05, 73, 403, 569.1
`See application file for complete Search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`5,321,848 A
`5,721,783 A
`6,435,406 B1
`
`6/1994 Miyahira et 211.
`2/1998 Anderson
`8/2002 Pentel
`
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — David B. Patchett
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Systems and methods associated with an intercom system for
`a drive-through, quick service restaurant facility is disclosed.
`Generally, a plurality of headsets is configured for commu-
`nication with a base station. A speaker is associated with the
`drive-through facility is configured to be located near a menu
`
`board, and is configured for communication with the base
`stat10n.Am1cr0ph0ne1s also configuredto be locatednearthe
`menu board and configured for communication with the base
`station. A plurality of parameters control the configuration of
`the intercom system, and the base station is connectable to a
`wide area communication network to enable remote adjust-
`ment of the plurality of parameters.
`
`32 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`Configure Wireless
`Communlcation
`
`Wtrelexly
`Communicalz
`
`
`
`/-112
`
`1114
`
`Monitor
`Communioalion
`
`——1 16
`
`Hemote|y Review
`Communication
`Parametets
`
` Remotely Ad'ust
`Communlcat on
`Parameters
`
`
`APPOOO2
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`US 8,694,040 B2
`Page 2
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`(56)
`
`References Cited
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`
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`2005/0277410 A1
`2006/0030269 A1
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`2009/0318076 A1
`
`6/2007 Gosieski, Jr.
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`2/2006 Awiszus et al.
`12/2009 Awiszus
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
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`“Remotely Configurable Wireless Intercom System for an Establish-
`ment” (2 pgs.).
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`“Remotely Configurable Wireless Intercom System for an Establish-
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`2011 (pp. 1-3).
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`No. 570370, corresponding to U.S. Appl. No. 11/276,048, (pp. 2).
`“Handbook of Intercom Systems Engineering”, Copyright 2000,
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`“HM Electronics PRO850 Wireless Intercom Operating Instruc-
`tions”, Copyright Sep. 2003, Revised Sep. 11, 2003, pp. 1-45.
`Vu, Tuyet, “HME’s New PRO850 Wireless Intercom System Offers
`More Flexibility and Operation Power to Pro-Audio Professionals”,
`PRO3-10, Sep. 2, 2003 (1 page).
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`
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`an Establishment,” (45 pages).
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`Operating Instructions”, HM Electronics, Inc., Nov. 2003, 104 pages.
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`national Application No. PCT/US2007/002961, corresponding to
`U.S. Appl. No. 11/276,048, dated Jun. 28, 2007, pp. 1-6.
`“Response to First Examiner’s Report”, dated May 10, 2010 fromAU
`Application No. 2007215462, corresponding to U.S. Appl. No.
`11/276,048, mailed Jun. 1, 2011, (pp. 10).
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`NZ Application No. 595104, corresponding to U.S. Appl. No.
`11/276,048, mailed Dec. 6, 2012 (3 pgs).
`Response to Non-Final Office Action mailed Dec. 6, 2012, filed with
`USPTO Feb. 6, 2013 in co-pending U.S. Appl. No. 95/002,239, (78
`pages).
`Response to Office Action mailed Nov. 15, 2012, filed with USPTO
`Jan. 15, 2013 in co-pending U.S. Appl. No. 95/002,238, (75 pages).
`“Symantec pcAnywhere User’s Guide”, Copyright 2003, pp. 1-212.
`“System 30, Drive-Thru Timer System, Operating Instructions”, HM
`Electronics, Inc., Nov. 2002, 99 pages.
`“Telex Operating Instructions RadioCom BTR-800, TR-800 Profes-
`sional Wireless Intercom System”, Jun. 2002, pp. 1-73.
`“Wireless 6000 Wireless Drive-Thru Audio System Installation
`Instructions, by HM Electronics”, Copyright Aug. 2003, pp. 1-50.
`“Request for Inter Partes Reexamination (37 CFR 1.913)” filed with
`USPTO Sep. 13, 2012 in US Patent No. 8,005,455, (123 pages).
`“Request for Inter Partes Rexamination (37 CFR 1.913)” filed with
`USPTO Sep. 13, 2012 in US Patent No. 7,599,679, (147 pages).
`“Action Closing Prosecution”, for U.S Appl. No. 95/002,239, mailed
`Jul. 19,2013 (65 pages).
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`mailed May 7, 2013 (6 pages).
`“Answer to Defendant HM Electronics’s Counterclaims”, 3M Com-
`pany and 3M Innovative Properties Company v. HM Electronics,
`Inc., Civil Action No. 12-cv-553 SRN/JSM, Filed Jun. 14, 2012.
`“Complaint”, 3M Company and 3MInnovative Properties Company
`v. HMElectronics, Inc., Civil Action No. 12-cv-553 SRN/JSM, Filed
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`“Defendants Answer, Affirmative Defenses and Counterclaims to
`Plaintiffs’ Complaint for Patent Infringement”, 3M Company and 3M
`Innovative Properties Company v. HMElectronics, Inc. , Civil Action
`No. 12-cv-553 SRN/JSM, Filed May 25, 2012.
`“Order Staying Case Pending Reexamination”, 3M Company and 3M
`Innovative Properties Company v. HMElectronics, Inc., Civil Action
`No. 12-cv-553 SRN/JSM, Filed Sep. 21, 2012.
`“Third Party Comments After Patent Owner’s Response Pursuant to
`37 cfr 1.947”, Filed in Inter Partes Reexamination Application No.
`95/002,238 on Feb. 14,2013.
`“Third Party Comments After Patent Owner’s Response Pursuant to
`37 cfr 1.947”, Filed in Inter Partes Reexamination Application No.
`95/002,239 on Mar. 8,2013.
`“Third Party Comments After Patent Owner’ s Response to the Action
`Closing Prosecution Pursuant to 37 C.F. R. § 1.947”, for U.S. Appl.
`No. 95/002,239, mailed Oct. 21, 2013 (24 pages).
`
`for PCT/US2007/002961,
`
`* cited by examiner
`
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 3, 2014
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`Sheet 1 of3
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`US 8,694,040 B2
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 8, 2014
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`Sheet 2 of 3
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`US 8,694,040 B2
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`Configure Wireless
`Communication wl
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`
`
`Parameters
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`Save Parameters
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`130
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`132
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`V 134
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`Remotely Recait
`Parameters
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`V 136
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` Wireiessiy
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`Communicate
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`Fig. 3
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`APPOOO5
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`112
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`114
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`116
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`118
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`Configure Wireless
`Communication
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`Wireieasiy
`Communicate
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`Monitor
`Communication
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`Remoteiy Review
`Communication
`Parameters
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`Remotely Adjust
`Communication
`Parameters
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`Fig. 2
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`APP0005
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 8, 2014
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`Sheet 3 of3
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`US 8,694,040 B2
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`Configure Wireless
`Communication
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`
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`Parameters
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`’
`Determine ti Fauit
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`Condition Exists
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`154
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`156
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`Reset
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`Parametems)
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`Fig. 4
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`APPOOO6
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`US 8,694,040 B2
`
`1
`REMOTELY CONFIGURABLE WIRELESS
`INTERCOM SYSTEM FOR AN
`ESTABLISHMENT
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
`No. 12/548,596 filedAug. 27, 2009, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,599,
`679, filed Feb. 10, 2006, the disclosures of which are incor-
`porated by reference in its entirety herein.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention is generally related to wireless inter-
`com systems and, more particularly, to wireless intercom
`systems for commercial establishments.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`It is common for establishments, such as retail establish-
`ments, and particularly restaurants, to facilitate drive-up cus-
`tomers with drive-up lanes and windows to service the cus-
`tomer. A customer will typically drive up to a menu/order
`board and communicate the customer’s wishes from the
`
`vehicle to staff, including an order taker, inside the retail
`establishment. The customer, still in the vehicle, will then
`proceed to one or more windows in order to pay for the
`purchase, if required, and pick up the merchandise.
`An intercom system can facilitate communication within
`and around the establishment, particularly between the occu-
`pant of the vehicle, the customer, and the staff inside the
`establishment. In a “quick service” restaurant situation, a post
`mounted speaker and microphone,
`located near a menu
`board, is hard wired to an intercom base station located inside
`the restaurant. The base station can wirelessly communicate
`with a portable device worn by an order taker. The portable
`device is typically a transceiver worn as a belt pack and an
`accompanied wired headset. Alternatively, in some instances,
`the portable device is self-contained on a wearable headset
`eliminating the need for a belt pack. The order taker typically
`listens continually to the post mounted microphone and
`presses a button in order to speak to the vehicle occupant as
`needed.
`
`In many systems and methods of ordering items from an
`establishment from a drive-up or drive-thru facility, the order
`is orally communicated directly from the post-mounted
`speaker and microphone to an order taking facility, typically
`a drive-thru order specialist wearing a headset, in the estab-
`lishment. The order specialist, or others, then collect the
`ordered item or items and handle the transaction with the
`
`customer at a drive-up window, taking money for the ordered
`item, making change and handing the order to the customer.
`The drive-through ordering system is vitally important for
`a quick service restaurant. In some quick service restaurants,
`the drive-through is sixty percent (60%) or more of the rev-
`enue of the establishment. Thus, there is a great need for a
`reliable intercom system for use, for example, in obtaining
`orders from the drive-through facility. If the intercom system
`develops a fault, becomes mal-adjusted or otherwise mal-
`functions, the establishment may be unable to process orders
`from the drive-through facility not only preventing the estab-
`lishment from booking the revenue which otherwise would
`have been obtained but also potentially alienating customers.
`While systems and methods have been developed in which
`the order taking process is moved off-site from the establish-
`ment, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
`
`2
`
`US2003/0225622, Doan, entitled “Method and System For
`Entering Orders of Customers,” such systems may not pre-
`vent a problem locally associated with the intercom system of
`the establishment from disrupting communication.
`Furthermore, many intercom systems utilize wireless tech-
`niques to facilitate communication among staff of the estab-
`lishment. Such wireless intercom systems can have param-
`eters, such as volume or gain, which affect the ability of the
`intercom system to function well and reliably. Such intercom
`systems can, over time, either through changing conditions,
`personnel, inappropriate adjustment, for example, become
`unreliable and/or inoperable.
`Adding to the difficulty in establishing and maintaining a
`reliable and effective intercom system, is that establishment
`utilizing such intercom systems have become ubiquitous in
`many geographic areas,
`including communities in which
`highly-skilled personnel
`trained in the maintenance and
`repair of such intercoms are non-existent. Such personnel can
`often be located a considerable distance away from the site of
`the establishment, often a number of hours apart. Any failure
`or other inoperability of the intercom system in such a geo-
`graphic location could result in a significant downtime for the
`intercom system and for the establishment to obtain a signifi-
`cant portion of their revenue until the such time as a mainte-
`nance and/or repair person can travel to the establishment.
`Even if the establishment is not distant from the location of
`
`service personnel, sending service personnel on a service call
`results in a significant expense, both in terms of money but
`also in the time expended to perform any required repair.
`
`BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`Aspects ofthe present invention allow the intercom system
`of an establishment to be remotely adjusted by a technician or
`other user without the need for such technician or other user
`
`35
`
`to be dispatched to the establishment itself, saving both a
`considerable amount of both time and money.
`A technician, or other user, may access the intercom sys-
`tem, for example, via the intemet, from great distances and
`may be able to immediately remedy any of a number of
`adjustment-based issues. Further, the intercom system itself
`may be able to self-report fault conditions, such as errors in
`hardware, errors in software and errors in adjustment, for
`example, or warn of possible service needs at the time of or
`prior to system failure. This is of great value to the establish-
`ment as it may prevent costly downtime to the establishment.
`In an embodiment,
`the present
`invention provides a
`remotely configurable wireless intercom system for an estab-
`lishment having a staff. Abase station is connectable to a wide
`area communication network. A plurality of headsets are in
`two -way wireless communication with the base station. Wire-
`less communication between each ofthe plurality ofheadsets
`and the base station are configurable with at least one param-
`eter being adjustable by the staff of the establishment. The
`parameter is remotely reviewable and being remotely adjust-
`able via the wide area communication network.
`
`In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method
`of providing a remotely configurable wireless intercom sys-
`tem for a establishment having a staff, having a base station
`connectable to a wide area communication network and hav-
`
`ing a plurality of headsets in two-way wireless communica-
`tion with the base station. Wireless communication is config-
`ured between each of the plurality of headsets and the base
`station with at least one parameter being adjustable by the
`staff of the establishment. The parameter is remotely
`reviewed and adjusted via the wide area communication net-
`work.
`
`40
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`60
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`3
`In an embodiment, the system also includes a plurality of
`parameters, at least one of the plurality of parameters being
`adjustable by the staff of the establishment. The plurality of
`parameters are remotely adjustable via the wide area commu-
`nication network.
`
`In an embodiment, the plurality of parameters are grouped
`into a template of parameters.
`In an embodiment, the template is saved for future recall.
`In an embodiment, the template is saved locally at the
`establishment.
`
`In an embodiment, the template is saved to a location
`remote from the establishment.
`
`In an embodiment, the plurality of parameters may be
`restored from the template previously stored.
`In an embodiment, the plurality of parameters may be
`remotely restored from the template previously stored
`remotely from the establishment.
`In an embodiment, the template is derived from another
`establishment.
`
`In an embodiment, the template of the plurality of param-
`eters is established in conjunction with installation of the
`wireless intercom system and is saved.
`In an embodiment, the template of the plurality of param-
`eters established in conjunction with installation is recalled at
`a point in time following the installation.
`In an embodiment, the template of the plurality of param-
`eters is established as a factory default.
`In an embodiment, the template of the plurality of param-
`eters established as default is recalled at a point in time
`following establishment.
`In an embodiment, wireless communication is established
`between an ordering point and at least one of the plurality of
`headsets.
`
`In an embodiment, a remote facility monitors communica-
`tion on the wireless intercom system.
`In an embodiment, the parameter is adjusted by the remote
`facility in response to monitoring of communication of the
`wireless intercom system.
`In an embodiment, the establishment comprises a quick
`service restaurant.
`
`In an embodiment, the parameter is an audio level.
`In an embodiment,
`the present
`invention provides a
`remotely configurable wireless intercom system for an estab-
`lishment having a staff. Abase station is connectable to a wide
`area communication network. A plurality of headsets is in
`two -way wireless communication with the base station. Wire-
`less communication between each ofthe plurality of headsets
`and the base station is configurable with at least one param-
`eter being remotely reviewable via the wide area communi-
`cation network. The parameter is remotely re-settable via the
`wide area communication network.
`
`In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method
`of providing a remotely configurable wireless intercom sys-
`tem for a establishment having a staff, having a base station
`connectable to a wide area communication network and hav-
`
`ing a plurality of headsets in two-way wireless communica-
`tion with the base station. Wireless communication is config-
`ured between each of the plurality of headsets and the base
`station. At least one parameter is remotely reviewed via the
`wide area communication network. It is remotely determined
`if a fault condition exists with the plurality of parameters. If a
`fault condition exists, the parameter is reset to a predeter-
`mined value via the wide area communication network.
`
`In an embodiment, the parameter is reset upon the detec-
`tion of a fault condition via the wide area communication
`network.
`
`10
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`15
`
`20
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`25
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`30
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`50
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`65
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`4
`
`In an embodiment, the parameter is adjustable by the staff
`of the establishment.
`
`In an embodiment, wireless communication between each
`of a plurality of headsets, a base station with a plurality of
`parameters, a speaker configured to be located near a menu
`board, and a microphone configured to be located near a menu
`board is configured. At least one ofthe plurality ofparameters
`is configured for local adjustment. The base station is con-
`nected to a wide area network, and at least one ofthe plurality
`of parameters is adjusted via the wide area network.
`In another method embodiment, wireless communication
`between each of a plurality of headsets and a base station is
`configured with at least one parameter such as an audio level.
`Such parameter can be configured for local adjustment. The at
`least one parameter can be remotely reviewed and adjusted
`via a wide area communication network.
`
`In yet another method embodiment, wireless communica-
`tion is configured between each of a plurality of headsets and
`a base station. A plurality of parameters can be adjustable by
`staff of an establishment. The plurality of parameters are
`remotely reviewed and adjusted via a wide area communica-
`tion network, and are grouped into a template of parameters.
`In an embodiment a method can also have the step of
`determining if a fault condition exists.
`In an embodiment a method can also have the step of
`remotely reviewing and adjusting a parameter relevant to a
`vehicle detection alert.
`
`In an embodiment a method can also have the step of
`recalling the template to reset the wireless communication.
`In a system embodiment, a drive-though, quick service
`restaurant facility has a plurality ofheadsets and a base station
`that configured for communication with the plurality ofhead-
`sets. A speaker can be associated with the drive-through facil-
`ity, be located near a menu board, and is configured for
`communication with the base station. A microphone is also
`configured to be located near the menu board and for com-
`munication with the base station. A plurality of parameters
`controls configuration of the intercom system. The base sta-
`tion is connectable to a wide area communication network in
`
`order to enable remote adjustment of the plurality of param-
`eters.
`
`In another system embodiment, a base station is in two-
`way wireless communication with a plurality ofheadsets. The
`wireless communication is configurable with at least one
`parameter that is locally adjustable. The parameter is also
`remotely adjustable via a wide area communication network.
`The parameter can be an audio level.
`In yet another system embodiment, a base station is con-
`figured for two-way wireless communication with a plurality
`of headsets, where such communication is configurable with
`a plurality of parameters that are remotely adjustable via a
`wide area communication network and grouped into a tem-
`plate of parameters. At least one of the parameters are adjust-
`able by staff of an establishment.
`In an embodiment, the system has software that is config-
`ured to determine if a fault condition exists in the system.
`In an embodiment, at least one parameter ofthe plurality of
`parameters is relevant to a vehicle detection alert.
`In an embodiment, at least one parameter ofthe plurality of
`parameters is relevant to volume of the speaker.
`In an embodiment, at least one parameter comprises a
`drive-through lane assignment.
`In an embodiment, the plurality of parameters is grouped
`into a template. The template can be a default. The template
`can be a factory default. The template can be configured for
`recall to reset the system.
`
`APPOOO8
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`APP0008
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`US 8,694,040 B2
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`5
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the functional components of
`an intercom system;
`FIG. 2 is flow chart illustrating monitoring of intercom
`communications and remote adjustment of intercom system
`parameters;
`FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating storage of and subsequent
`recall of intercom system parameters; and
`FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating remote review ofintercom
`system fault conditions and remote resetting of such param-
`eters.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`Intercom systems, e.g., wireless intercom systems, used at
`establishments, e.g., quick service restaurants, typically can
`have several parameters which govern the operation of the
`intercom system.
`As shown in FIG. 1, establishment 10 is served by intercom
`system 12. Base station 14 communicates wirelessly with a
`plurality ofheadsets 16a, 16, .
`.
`. 1611. Headsets 16a, 16, .
`.
`.
`1611 are worn by personnel, or staff of establishment 10 and,
`in a preferred embodiment can be used by such personnel to
`receive orders taken from a drive-through facility (not
`shown). At least one ofthe staffmembers communicates with
`a customer in the drive-through facility to obtain an order
`from the customer. This staff members may be wearing, and
`communicating through, one of headsets 16a, 16, .
`.
`. 1611 or
`may be in wired communication with base station 14. Other
`staff members will wear headsets 16a, 16,
`.
`.
`. 1611 or the
`remaining ones of headsets 16a, 16,
`.
`.
`. 1611, primarily to
`listen, or monitor communication between the customer and
`staff member taking the order.
`Intercom system 12 at establishment 10, e.g., a quick ser-
`vice restaurant, has several parameters which govern the
`operation of the system. For example, each of headsets 16a,
`16, .
`.
`. 1611 can be in full duplex communication with base
`station 14 and each of headsets 16a, 16, .
`.
`. 1611 may have a
`receive audio level, or volume, and/or a transmit audio level
`associated with it. Separate volume, or gain, controls, may be
`available to each of headsets 16a, 16,
`.
`.
`. 1611 for each
`direction of communication. Many other parameters are also
`possible, such as lane assignment, receive volume, transmit
`volume, master volume for a speaker associated with the
`drive-through facility, individual volume for each channel
`received by the drive-through facility, base station receive
`volume, base station transmit volume, page, greeter, vehicle
`detection alert, vehicle approaching alert, for examples.
`Many, if not all, of these parameters may be available to one
`or more staff members for individual adjustment.
`It is recognized, however, that an intercom system 12
`involving a drive-through facility, drive-through lane, a base
`station 14 and, potentially, several headsets 16a, 16, .
`.
`. 1611
`with each unit located in a potentially unique environment
`and unique conditions can be complex to set up and adjust
`properly. Failure to perform proper set-up and balance could
`result in unsatisfactory operation, e.g., resulting in annoying
`feedback and/or instability perhaps making communication
`difficult, if not impossible. Providing a staff member or staff
`members with adjustment control of at least one parameter,
`e.g., volume of their headset 16,
`is desirable to take into
`account individual speaking patterns and hearing capabili-
`ties. However,
`it is possible for individual adjustments to
`throw the balance of intercom system 12 and, possibly, to
`render it unstable and/or unusable.
`
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`6
`Since the location of the establishment 10 may be a sig-
`nificant distance geographically from the location of a quali-
`fied service technician, it may take a considerable amount of
`time for such service technician, once summoned, to arrive at
`the location of establishment 10 in order to begin repairs. In
`some cases establishment 10 may be located hours away from
`a service technician. Even if establishment 10 is not located a
`
`significant distance from a qualified service technician, send-
`ing a service technician on-site to perform a repair can still be
`a significant expense in terms of both time and money.
`However, intercom system 12 allows personnel from estab-
`lishment 10 to call a technical service facility 18 located
`remotely from the location of establishment 10.
`However, a technical service facility 18 located remotely
`from the location of establishment 10 may be alerted, by
`personnel of establishment 10, automatically or by other
`means, to access the parameters controlling intercom system
`12 remotely via a wide area network 20, such as by way ofthe
`internet. The service technician may be able to access the
`parameters associated with intercom system 12, review the
`parameters of intercom system 12, and potentially make
`adjustments to the parameters to place intercom system 12
`back in operation or to improve the operation of intercom
`system 12.
`The service technician may be able to resolve the issue with
`intercom system 12 quickly without a need to dispense a
`service technician to the site of establishment 10. Ifthe site of
`
`establishment 10 is remote, many hours of establishment
`down time may be saved, perhaps even a day if it is necessary
`to fly or otherwise transport a service technician to a very
`remote site. Even if the site of establishment is not remote, a
`service technician may be able to service many more estab-
`lishments and solve many more issues more efficiently by
`making remote adjustments than by incurring site visits.
`Remote adjustment ofparameters of intercom system 12 may
`minimize, or eliminate altogether, service interruption by
`establishment 10.
`
`It is to be recognized and understood that one or more than
`one parameter of intercom system 12 may be accessed,
`reviewed and, potentially, modified or adjusted. One param-
`eter, e.g., the master volume of intercom system 12, may be
`the only parameter reviewed and/or adjusted. On the other
`hand, it is also contemplated that multiple parameters may be
`reviewed, and one or more ofthe parameters reviewed may be
`adjusted. For example, the volume levels of all of headsets
`16a, 16, .
`.
`. 1611 may be reviewed. Following review, it may be
`necessary to adjust the volume level of a single headset 16,
`say headset 16a, or it may be desirable to adjust the volume of
`more than one or all ofheadsets 16a, 16, .
`.
`. 1611.
`Since multiple parameters may be involved in the setting
`up, adjusting and balancing of intercom system 12 and
`because one parameter may have an effect on other aspects of
`the intercom system, it may be desirable to form multiple
`parameters into parameter sets. A given set of parameters for
`intercom system 12 may form a template 22, i.e., a set of
`parameters for intercom system 12 that, when implemented,
`will give rise to a particular operational characteristic for
`intercom system 12. For example, known settings for param-
`eters which provide for a particular response or performance
`of intercom system 12 or which may typically eliminate com-
`mon issues associated with maladjustment ofparameters may
`be formed as a template. Such a template of parameters may
`be utilized, for example, either in a later point in time in the
`same establishment or another establishment having a similar
`intercom system 12 or a similar facility, structure and/or
`layout.
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`APPOOO9
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`APP0009
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`US 8,694,040 B2
`
`7
`Individual parameters or a template 22 or templates of
`parameters may be saved or stored for later recall. Template
`22 may be saved to memory 24 located locally with respect to
`establishment 10. Once saved in memory 24, template 22, or
`one of a plurality of templates 22, may be recalled later to
`reset intercom system 12 or to bring about a desired change of
`operational parameters. If intercom system 12 parameters are
`adversely adjusted, then a previously stored template may be
`recalled from memory 24 and utilized to provide a new opera-
`tional guidebook for intercom system 12. In particular, a
`service technician, located remote from the location of estab-
`lishment 10, may access memory 24 and recall a template 22
`previously stored and make the parameters associated with
`that template 22 active. Additionally, a remotely located ser-
`vice technician may recall a previously stored template 22
`from memory 24 and then, perhaps, make further adjustments
`or modifications to one or more individual parameters in
`order to improve or optimize the performance characteristics
`of intercom system 12.
`It is also contemplated that parameters for establishment
`10 may be stored remotely from establishment 10. For
`example, the same wideband communication network allow-
`ing a service technician at remote facility 18 to access param-
`eters of intercom system 12 may also or alternatively used to
`transmit parameters, preferably in a template 22, to remote
`facility to be saved or stored in memory 26. Such parameters
`or templates 22 may be subsequently recalled as discussed to
`bring about an operational scheme for intercom system 12 as
`discussed above with respect to locally stored parameters
`and/or templates 22. Further, memory 26 associated with
`remote facility 18 may be use